This Bush's Popularity Keeps Growing

By MIKE KERN

kernm@phillynews.com

LOS ANGELES - Reggie Bush still has at least one college game left to play. A fairly significant one. But all most blokes want to ask him is whether he has talked to any real-estate agents in Houston yet.

One microphone wanted to know if it was fitting that Reggie Bush was going to a city that's close to NASA, since he's kind of from another planet. And you wonder why they call it a media circus. Bush kind of smiled and said, "I guess it always feels good to be wanted."

Welcome to his planet. That's what happens, when you win the Heisman Trophy in the biggest landslide since Nixon-McGovern and everyone assumes you're going to the NFL a year early. Reggie Bush grew up in San Diego as a big fan of the San Francisco 49ers, where his former high school teammate, Alex Smith, is the rookie quarterback. But the Texans wound up with the first pick in the next draft. Bummer. So, if he should come out, that's where he'll probably end up.

Life's all about choices. First, he's going to try and help Southern California (12-0) win an unprecedented third straight national championship by beating Texas (12-0) in tonight's Rose Bowl. And for the moment, that's enough. Especially when ESPN already has anointed your team as maybe the best of all time.

"On film, [ Texas ] looks great," Bush said. "But you never really know until you get there. We were expecting a great game last year, and didn't get it."

The Trojans, of course, skewered unbeaten Oklahoma , the 2004 Big 12 champion, 55-19, in the Orange Bowl. Reggie Bush didn't do much, because he didn't have to. That's the beauty of the USC Trojans offense. In fact, the next bowl touchdown he scores will be his first.

Not that he's counting.

Besides, if he does go to Houston , this could be the last big game he plays in a long time.

"We've been in so many pressure situations," he said. "That goes along with the position we're in. At times, I feel like [I've become] immune to it all. No trophy's going to dictate to me who I am, or how I play. I'm the same person.

"I'd love to get in the end zone. But if we win, it won't matter. If they focus on me... but then other guys are going to be open. I'm not Superman. If you put three or four guys on me, you can stop anyone. If you're a leader, you deal with it.

"We're pretty comfortable. Everyone knows what's at stake, and what we're a part of. At this point, there's no distractions. We've heard it all. From our standpoint, it's about us... Everything else will take care of itself."

Maybe he'll follow the lead of his quarterback, Matt Leinart, and come back for his senior season. Bookend Heismans are nice.

"Possibly," he grinned. "I enjoyed the experience. But it's a lot of work. I don't know if I want to win it again."

If that's the case, then one more ring on his way to the podium would sure make a lovely parting gift.

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